Nigeria’s plan to expand digital connectivity nationwide has received a significant boost following the European Union’s announcement of a ₦76.76 billion (€45 million) investment to advance Project Bridge, one of Africa’s most ambitious broadband infrastructure programmes.
The announcement was made jointly by Jozef Síkela, EU Commissioner for International Partnerships, and Dr Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, underscoring deepening cooperation on the country’s digital transformation agenda.
Speaking at the launch event, Commissioner Síkela described the initiative as “one of the most ambitious digital projects in Africa,” emphasising the EU’s commitment to improving access to secure and reliable internet across Nigeria. “Together with Nigeria, we are developing Project Bridge, a programme that will raise fast and reliable internet to over 70% of the population,” he said.
Implementation of the plan is estimated to cost $2 billion, financed through a combination of sovereign loans from development finance institutions (including the World Bank and African Development Bank) and private sector equity. The Nigerian government will retain a minority stake of between 25 and 49 per cent in the SPV.
Under the expanded plan, more than 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic cable will be deployed to strengthen connectivity for households, schools, hospitals and businesses across Nigeria, laying the foundation for a more inclusive and competitive digital economy. The EU’s funding commitment forms, Síkela says, forms part of an overarching EU–Nigeria Digital Economy Package, which supports secure connectivity, digital skills development, e-Government, Digital Public Infrastructure, innovation ecosystems and digital entrepreneurship.
Dr Tijani explained that the investment aligns with Nigeria’s broader digital reform agenda and demonstrates international confidence in the country’s digital growth trajectory. “This week marked an important milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey, as the European Union announced a €45 million investment under the EU–Nigeria Digital Economy Package,” he said, adding that the partnership will strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to implement its key broadband projects.
Project Bridge and Nigeria’s broadband goals
Project Bridge, short for Building Resilient Digital Infrastructure for Growth: is an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy aimed at expanding broadband infrastructure nationwide. The programme is structured as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) under a public–private partnership (PPP) model and is central to Nigeria’s National Broadband Plan 2020–2025. The SPV will deploy at least 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic cables to create a core connectivity backbone for the country, significantly expanding broadband reach and quality.
The project is designed to complete Nigeria’s intended target of 120,000 kilometres of fibre, originally outlined in the national broadband blueprint, and directly address persistent infrastructure gaps that have constrained internet penetration and digital inclusion. Implementation of the plan is estimated to cost $2 billion, financed through a combination of sovereign loans from development finance institutions (including the World Bank and African Development Bank) and private sector equity. The Nigerian government will retain a minority stake of between 25 and 49 per cent in the SPV.
When completed, Project Bridge is expected to deliver universal access to ICT services, stimulate innovation, expand job opportunities, and support economic growth. It will also enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness by providing a resilient backbone for internet service providers and digital businesses. The EU’s latest commitment is anticipated to accelerate progress toward these goals, helping bridge the digital divide and ensure affordable, high-quality connectivity reaches underserved regions.
Implications for the Digital Economy
Commissioner Síkela emphasised that the EU investment will stimulate growth across industries, create jobs, enhance digital skills and attract technology partners offering trusted solutions. “This investment will bring more jobs, stronger digital skills and secure, high-quality connectivity and will also create new opportunities for European companies offering trusted technologies,” he said.
With combined support from the EU and Nigeria’s digital policy framework, Project Bridge is positioned to deepen nationwide digital inclusion, enhance public service delivery, and expand the infrastructure required for a competitive digital economy.
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